Gabrielle Izzo
What is your role with The Center and what are you most excited about?
My role with The Center is Director of Early Childhood Programs, I am most excited about helping educators across the state. Being a support system to teachers is important in building the foundation of education so they are their best selves in serving Louisiana’s littlest learners.
What is your background?
I have over 16 years of experience in early childhood education. I began my love of teaching working with children from birth to five in the classroom and quickly knew I wanted to expand my knowledge to teachers. I then served in multiple centers as a director. My expertise would bring me to my greatest role yet as an early childhood specialist (coach). I found that giving back my knowledge to educators was so beneficial for them and I strived to ensure I gave my best support to teachers and administrators who work with young children every day.
I have my CDA in both infant/toddler and preschool along with my Ancillary Certificate. I currently attend Ashford University where I will complete my studies in the development of young children. I am a credentialed My Teaching Partner coach, CLASS train-the-trainer in infant, pre-k, and k-3, CLASS certified in infants, toddler and pre k, interrater reliable in TSGOLD, and a pathways certified trainer. I currently sit on the board for LAAEYC and serve on the BoysTown advisory committee.
I am a loving mother to my two boys and have been married for 6 years.
What is your favorite childhood book or literacy memory?
My favorite book as a child and still now is Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. Being born and raised in Boston where this book takes place is a story of a mother and father duck raising their little ducklings in the Boston Commons, a place I often would visit growing up. I still love to take my children there and take their pictures with the golden statues of these ducks.
Flashback to when you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a teacher, since I was a little girl. Every day after school I would sit my dolls and stuffed animals up and play “school” with them. I would make assignments and pretend to do them for my “students”. I am so happy I turned my dreams into reality.
What passion projects do you have outside of work?
Outside of work I love spending time horseback riding (my other passion) Being with horses brings me a sense of calm and peace that helps me ground myself. I have worked with horses in many capacities and find so much joy in being around them.